Fine Dunne stars for Finedon

Finedon's Gary Herbert chipped in with 41

Finedon Dolben recorded their second consecutive win in the Hevey Building Supplies Northamptonshire Premier League with Jonny Dunne once more starring with the bat against Burton Latimer.

Finedon batted first and racked up 247 for six from their 55 overs. Dunne contributed 80 and Clint Tomlinson 52 while Gary Herbert chipped in with 41. In return Burton got off to a bad start losing a wicket in the first over and were never able to stage a recovery, struggling to 84 all out in the 41st over

Andy Roberts took 3-5 to seal the 163-run victory after Chris Goode (3-24), Will Sneath (2-33) and Phil Materna (2-18) had made early inroads.

Despite Finedon's impressive start to the new season, it is Northampton Saints, who this week beat Rushton by 54 runs, who lead the table by a single point.

Saints batted first and made 200 for nine in 55 overs. Chris Park played a captain's innings with 70, while there were very useful contributions down the order from Danny Simpson and Michael Davies.

In reply, Rushton were bowled out for 146. Pat Latham bowled well to finish with 4-51 and Michael Davies used his experience and guile to pick up 3-42. Marcus Steed was left stranded on 53 raising questions over his position in the batting order.

Rushden are now in third place, following a high scoring draw with the Academy at Short Stocks. Mohammed Hussain hit ten fours and five sixes in a blistering 108 as the home side racked up an impressive 291 for four in 55 overs. Dean Dass played the role of understudy – making 60.

The Academy's reply was nothing short of heroic, as they finished just seven runs short of an improbable victory for the loss of six wickets. Robert Keogh top scored for the visitors with 86, whilst Connor Cunningham and Josh Smith both made impressive half centuries. For Rushden, Mudasser Hussain took 4-82. Rushden take 14 points to the Academy's 9.

Peterborough Town claimed their first win of the new season, beating Desborough by 8 wickets at Bretton Gate.

The visitors were dismissed for a very average 176 and it was veteran Ajaz Akhtar who caused most of the damage. Akhtar took 4-27 to defy those who claim he should now be put out to pasture. Only Peter Burnham with 52 showed any stomach for the fight.

Peterborough opener Martin Hair ensured there would be no upset as he smashed fifteen fours and two sixes on his way to a superb 105. The home side used just 34.5 overs to reach their target.

There was an early finish at Billing Road where Richard Kaufman steered the Old Northamptonians to victory over Wollaston with a fine all-round display.

Kaufman took 5-15 as Wollaston posted a sorry looking 85 all out. Mark Ralph made a determined 35 but received little support. Kaufman then stroked four fours in his 30 as the home side completed victory by 8 wickets.

In the day's other game, Stony Stratford secured a crucial victory over newly promoted Brixworth. Stony batted first and made 207 for eight in their 55 overs.

Kieron Price top scored with 70 and Steve Bellew hammered an invaluable 45 towards the end of the innings.

Brixworth's reply was looking solid and on course for a possible victory, thanks to 48 from Chris Richmond. But the game turned when Paul Blakemore was run out by Dion Ebrahim and Stony seized their opportunity to win by 30 runs.

Andy Humphries took 3-36 for the Buckinghamshire outfit, while Price completed a satisfying day with 2-30.